Intentional parenting

Category: parenting

  • The Esther Fast: A 3-Day Global Call for Mothers to Pray, Fast, and Rise (March 23–25, 2026)

    In a world filled with uncertainty, pressure, and rapid change, one question continues to echo across generations:

    “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14

    At Intentional Parenting, we believe that this is not just a question for Esther it is a call to mothers today.

    From March 23–25, 2026, we are inviting mothers across the globe to join us for The Esther Fast—a powerful 3-day journey of prayer, fasting, and spiritual alignment for our children, families, and the next generation. This will happen via Whatsapp, you can join the community here

    Why Mothers Need to Rise in This Season?

    We are living in a complex global moment shaped by:

    Economic instability affecting households.

    Political uncertainty across nations. Cultural identity challenges for children.

    The growing influence of digital spaces on young minds.

    Migration and diaspora realities impacting family life.

    As mothers, we are not just raising children—we are raising a generation in the middle of all of this.

    And just like Esther we have been positioned for such a time as this.

    What Is The Esther Fast?

    The Esther Fast is inspired by Esther 4:16, where Esther calls for a fast before stepping into a moment that would change the destiny of her people.

    This is more than a fast from food—it is a time of:

    -Spiritual consecration

    -Intentional prayer for our children.

    – Seeking wisdom as mothers.

    – Standing in the gap for our families and communities.

    Our Journey Through the Book of Esther

    Here at Intentional Parenting, in our 6am prayers, we have been reading and praying through the Book of Esther together as a community since February.

    Through this devotional journey, we have reflected on:

    🙏🏽Courage in uncertain environments

    🙏🏽Wisdom in navigating complex systems

    🙏🏽The power of influence and timing

    🙏🏽The importance of intercession

    We have seen how God can use ordinary women in extraordinary moments to shape history.

    And now, we are stepping into that truth through this fast.

    Inspired by the courage of Esther, the 3-day fast is a call for mothers to rise in prayer, intercession, and spiritual authority for their children, families, and this generation.

    “Go, gather together all the Jews… and fast for me… I will go to the king…” – Esther 4:16

    ✨ PURPOSE OF THE FAST

    This is not just about abstaining from food.

    It is about:

    -Spiritual alignment.

    -Interceding for your children’s future.

    -Seeking wisdom in uncertain times.

    – Standing in the gap for your family and community.

    ⚠️ HOW TO FAST (GUIDELINES)

    Choose what is appropriate for your health and capacity:

    Option 1: 6am–4pm fast (water allowed)

    Option 2: Partial fast, may be skip just one meal eg breakfast finish fasting at 1 or 2pm, or one meal a day / Daniel-style

    Option 3: Social/media fast (reduce noise, increase focus)

    👉 Key principle: Replace what you remove with prayer, Word, and reflection.

    🕊️ POSTURE FOR THE 3 DAYS

    Be intentional (set prayer times)

    Be honest (bring your fears and burdens to God)

    Be expectant (God still responds to intercession)

    📌Create a quiet space daily.

    The goal is simple:

    👉 Create space for God to speak and move.

    Why This Fast Matters Now More Than Ever?

    In the story of Esther silence was not an option.

    Her courage changed the destiny of a generation.

    Today, mothers are facing different battles—but the calling remains the same.

    We are called to:

    🙏🏽Pray intentionally

    ✏️Lead courageously

    🌇Build legacy deliberately

    Join Mothers Around the World 🌏

    This is a global call.

    Whether you are in the UK, Africa, the US, or anywhere across the world—you are invited. You can join the praying community via this link

    Let us come together as mothers to:

    ✨ Pray for our children

    ✨ Stand in the gap

    ✨ Build legacy through faith

    Join the Esther Fast Community

    👉 Join us here

    Corporate prayer meeting

    We hope that you will spend the day in prayer and meditation. We will then meet corporately for corporate prayer at 9pm GMT via zoom. We ordinarily meet at 6am GMT Mondays- Fridays, and we are continuing with the book of Esther.

    9pm during this 3day fast is a time of intense intercession as we cry out for God’s perfect will to be established in our lives. Details of joining the prayer watch will be shared via this Whatsapp link

    Biblical prayer watches

    Final Encouragement

    You may not feel like Esther.

    You may feel tired, uncertain, or stretched.

    But your prayers matter.

    Your voice matters.

    Your motherhood matters.

    And just like Esther

    You may have been positioned

    for such a time as this.

    🔥 DAY 1: CONSECRATION & SURRENDER

    “Positioned Before Purpose”

    📖 Key Scripture:

    Esther 4:14

    Romans 12:1

    Focus:

    Before Esther spoke publicly, she prepared privately.

    Day 1 is about:

    Surrendering control

    Laying down fear, anxiety, and pressure.

    Realigning your heart as a mother and leader.

    Prayer Points:

    Lord, align my heart with Your will for my children. Purify my motives as a mother and leader.Help me release fear about the future. Strengthen my spiritual sensitivity

    🙏 Reflection:

    Where am I operating from fear instead of faith?

    🌍 DAY 2: INTERCESSION FOR OUR CHILDREN & GENERATION

    “Standing in the Gap”

    📖 Key Scripture:

    Esther 4:16

    Ezekiel 22:30

    Focus:

    Like Esther, we stand in the gap—not just for ourselves, but for others.

    This includes today’s global realities:

    Economic instability affecting families. Wars and conflicts shaping children’s futures. Cultural identity confusion. Digital exposure and mental health challenges.Migration and diaspora pressures

    Prayer Points:

    Cover your children spiritually (identity, purpose, protection).

    Pray for their future in an unstable world. Intercede for schools, communities, and nations.

    Pray for peace and justice in global conflicts.

    Ask God to raise children who will stand for truth.

    🙏 Declaration:

    “My children will not be lost in this generation. They will rise with purpose, clarity, and courage.”

    👑 DAY 3: COURAGE, WISDOM & ACTION

    “For Such a Time as This”

    📖 Key Scripture:

    Esther 4:16

    James 1:5

    Focus:

    Esther didn’t just pray—she acted.

    Day 3 is about:

    Courage to speak and lead.

    Wisdom in parenting decisions.

    Boldness in today’s socio-political climate.

    Prayer Points:

    Lord, give me courage to lead my family intentionally. Grant me wisdom in raising children in this culture. Help me use my voice for truth and justice. Show me where I need to take action.

    🙏 Declaration:

    “I am called, equipped, and positioned for such a time as this.”

    💡 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MOTHERS

    🔑Involve your children (age-appropriate prayer moments)

    📝Journal what God reveals each day.

    🎵 Play worship music to stay spiritually focused.

    🤝Join with another mother for accountability.

    Break your fast with gratitude and prayer

    🌸 CLOSING PRAYER

    Heavenly Father,

    Like Esther, we choose courage over fear. In a time of uncertainty, raise us as mothers who will pray, speak, and lead with wisdom. Cover our children. Stabilise our homes.Give us discernment in a complex world. May our lives reflect Your purpose, and may our children become a generation that stands for truth.

    For such a time as this…

    Amen

    📣Join the Whatsapp community where we commune, share prayer points. devotion, zoom link and more.

    After 3 days of prayer and fasting, join us for the Esther Banquet—a beautiful evening of gratitude, testimonies, and community for mothers. More details about the banquet will be shared in the group.

  • ROOTED MEN™: Why African Fathers in the UK Must Redefine Fatherhood, Identity & Legacy

    African Fatherhood in the UK: A Quiet Struggle

    For many African fathers living in the UK, fatherhood comes with unspoken pressure.

    You are expected to provide.

    To stay strong.

    To hold culture together.

    To raise children who succeed in a society very different from the one that raised you.

    Yet many fathers are doing this without support, guidance, or safe spaces to talk.

    At Intentional Parenting, we see this clearly:

    African fathers are not absent — they are overburdened and under-supported.

    This is why we created ROOTED MEN™: Fatherhood, Identity & Legacy in the Diaspora.

    Why African Fathers Need a Different Conversation?

    Fatherhood in the UK requires more than authority and provision.

    It requires presence, emotional intelligence, and cultural adaptation.

    Many African fathers are navigating:

    -Cultural discipline vs UK safeguarding laws

    -Provider pressure and financial stress

    -Emotional distance learned from their own upbringing

    -Identity tension: “Am I raising my children the African way or the British way?”

    -Raising confident children without losing cultural values.

    These realities demand a new kind of fatherhood — one that is rooted, intentional, and responsive.

    From Provider to Present: Redefining African Fatherhood.

    Traditionally, respect for fathers was built on fear, distance, and unquestioned authority.

    But research — and real family experience — shows that today’s children thrive on connection before correction.

    Being a strong father in the UK means:

    ⭐️Listening as much as instructing

    💕Regulating anger before disciplining.

    ✨Creating emotional safety, not silence.

    🇿🇼Modelling values, not just enforcing rules.

    This shift does not weaken fathers.

    It strengthens their influence.

    Introducing ROOTED MEN™: Fatherhood, Identity & Legacy.

    ROOTED MEN™ is an interactive session created by Intentional Parenting for African fathers in the UK.

    The workshop helps fathers to:

    📝Understand their role beyond financial provision.

    🇬🇧Navigate cultural expectations with intention.

    🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Build stronger relationships with their children.

    🔑Address anger, stress, and emotional withdrawal.

    💯Define the legacy they want to leave

    During the workshop, fathers are introduced to the ROOTED™ framework, a practical model for intentional parenting in the diaspora.

    This framework allows fathers to honour African values while parenting effectively in the UK context.

    “Legacy Is Not What You Leave Behind — It’s Who You Raise”

    One of the most powerful moments in the ROOTED MEN™ workshop is the Legacy Letter, where fathers reflect on this question:

    “When my child is 25, what do I want them to say about me as their father?”

    This exercise shifts fatherhood from survival mode to legacy thinking — helping men parent with clarity, intention, and long-term vision.

    African fathers deserve spaces that are:

    Respectful, Culturally grounded, Honest and Practical.

    That is exactly what ROOTED MEN™ offers.

    About Intentional Parenting.

    Intentional Parenting is a UK-based parenting education initiative supporting African families to raise confident, rooted children while building generational legacies in the diaspora.

    Through workshops, resources, and community programmes, we help parents navigate culture, identity, safeguarding, and emotional wellbeing with intention.

    About the Facilitator.

    Fadzai is a UK-based parenting educator, speaker, and founder of Intentional Parenting. She supports African families in the UK to raise confident, emotionally secure children while building strong generational legacies through culturally grounded parenting education.

    Final Word to Fathers.

    📌You don’t need to be perfect.

    💯You need to be present.

    🌟Strong families don’t happen by accident.

    ❤️They are built by intentional men.

  • Parenting support and services

    Support for Parents Who Want Calm, Confidence and Connection.

    Parenting is one of the most important roles we hold — yet many parents are left navigating it alone, unsure whether they’re doing “enough” or responding in the right way.

    Intentional Parenting was created to change that.

    I’m Fadzai, a parenting consultant, safeguarding lead and community builder. Through Intentional Parenting, I support parents who want to raise emotionally secure, resilient children while building calm, connected family life.

    This space is for parents who are not looking for perfection — but for clarity, confidence and practical support that fits real life.

    What Is Intentional Parenting?

    Intentional parenting is about making thoughtful choices, even in the middle of busy, messy family life.

    It’s about:

    Understanding behaviour rather than reacting to it. Strengthening communication and emotional connection. Parenting in line with your values, not pressure or fear. Creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive.

    At Intentional Parenting, support is compassionate, practical and grounded in real-world parenting challenges.

    How I Support Parents

    My work focuses on four key areas of parenting support:

    🌿 Emotional Wellbeing & Behaviour

    Helping parents understand emotions, manage challenging behaviour and reduce overwhelm at home.

    🗣 Communication & Connection

    Supporting stronger relationships through calm communication, boundaries and repair after conflict.

    🧭 Intentional Parenting & Family Life

    Helping parents move from reactive parenting to intentional routines, rhythms and values-led family life.

    🛡 Safeguarding & Family Safety

    Supporting parents to confidently protect their children’s wellbeing through everyday safeguarding and early support.

    These services are offered through 1:1 parenting coaching, group cohorts, community spaces and workshops.

    A Different Kind of Parenting Support.

    Intentional Parenting is not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all advice.

    It is about:

    Walking alongside parents. Creating space for reflection and growth. Offering tools that work in everyday family life. Supporting parents before challenges become crises.

    Parents come for support at all stages — whether navigating early childhood, school transitions, adolescence, or simply wanting to parent with more intention.

    Join the Intentional Parenting Community

    Alongside coaching and services, Fadzai also offers community-based support through spaces such as The 6AM Collective — a reflective parenting community offering connection, prayer, learning cohorts and shared growth.

    You’re welcome to engage at your own pace, in a way that supports your family.

    Start Here

    If you’re ready to explore parenting support that feels grounded, respectful and practical, you’re in the right place.

    👉 Explore parenting coaching : here

    👉 Join the community :Whatsapp

    👉 Read the latest blog posts on this platform

    You don’t have to do parenting alone — and you don’t have to do it perfectly.

  • Empowering the Next Generation: Financial Wellness Workshop for Young Adults 

    At Intentional Parenting, we’re thrilled to be partnering with the brilliant team at MoneyHeave to host an Online Financial Wellness Workshop specially designed for young people aged 16years and over. Whether your teen or young adult is preparing for university, starting college, finishing uni, starting formal employment, entering an apprenticeship, or figuring out how to earn and save as they go—this session is for them.

    📅 Date: 21/08/2025

    🕒 Time: 7pm-8:30pm

    📍 Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

    💷 Cost: Free (but early registration is required). Register here today.

    Why does finance matter for young people of African heritage in UK?

    Many young adults start their financial journeys with little to no guidance. Between part-time jobs, student loans, overdrafts, and peer pressure to spend, it’s easy to make choices that lead to long-term financial stress.

    This workshop offers a judgment-free, practical space to:

    -Learn the basics of budgeting, saving, and spending wisely.

    -Understand student finance, grants, and apprenticeships.

    -Build confidence in setting financial goals.

    – Discuss real-world money scenarios relevant to youth culture.

    With expert facilitation from MoneyHeave known for their culturally aware and youth-focused financial education, participants will walk away with tools they can use immediately—whether they’re buying groceries at uni or saving for their first car.

    Smart Money Strategies for young adults:

    Here are a few tips we’ll unpack during the session:

    1. Create a “Needs vs. Wants” Budget

    Prioritise rent, transport, and essentials before splurging. Use digital budgeting tools (e.g., Emma, Monzo) to track your habits.

    2. Make the Most of Student Discounts

    Use your student ID or UNiDAYS app for savings on travel, food, books, and more.

    3. Avoid High-Interest Credit Traps

    Understand how overdrafts and credit cards work before using them. Ask questions: Nothing is too basic when it comes to your money.

    4. Set Weekly Spending Limits

    Break your term’s income into weekly allowances. Keep an emergency fund—even if it’s just £50.

    5. Explore Side Hustles Carefully

    Learn how to balance work and study. Know your rights around minimum wage and working hours.

    Why Migrant Parents Should Encourage Their kids to Attend?

    For many migrant families, talking about money openly isn’t always the norm. But our children are growing up in a different financial landscape—one that requires financial literacy from a younger age.

    Here’s why your child should attend:

    ✅ Bridge the Cultural Gap: Many young people raised in the UK face unique financial pressures—especially those navigating between African cultural expectations and Western lifestyles.

    ✅Managing and dealing with black tax and the bank of Parents.

    ✅ Prevent Costly Mistakes: Mismanaging finances in early adulthood can lead to debt and stress. This session gives them a head start.

    ✅ Learn What You Didn’t Get to Learn: As migrant parents, we may not have had financial education in school. This is an opportunity to give our children what we may have missed.

    ✅ Prepare for Independence: Whether they’re living away for university or staying at home during an apprenticeship, financial independence is key to adulthood.

    ✅ Encourage Confidence, Not Fear: When young people understand money, they’re more likely to make empowered choices, ask questions, and avoid shame or secrecy around financial struggles.

    Register here

    Zoom link will be sent out on the 18th of August via email address provided on registration.

    Please share this opportunity with your child, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. A 90-minute session could set them up for a lifetime of smarter choices.

    Final Thoughts

    Empowering our young people with financial knowledge is one of the greatest gifts we can give. This isn’t just a “money talk”—it’s a legacy-building workshop rooted in practical, accessible advice.

    With MoneyHeave’s expertise and Intentional Parenting’s culturally relevant approach, this is one online session you won’t want your child to miss.

    Let’s equip the next generation to thrive financially.

    Any comments, suggestions, queries please do email info@intentionalparentinguk.org

    Here is to flourishing and impacting next generation.

    Every blessing

    Fadzi

  • Miles for Mind

    2026 loading bolder, strategic and impactful! Watch the space

    Miles for Minds: Walk & Thrive – Migrant Mental Health Awareness Challenge

    We are really excited to have you join us for the walking challenge this May!

    Walking challenge:

    In a bid to encourage better mental health, we are encouraging MIGRANT parents to participate in the 10k steps a day challenge. You can add this up through jogging, skipping etc. As parents the struggles of raising children in diaspora can impact greatly on your overall well being.

    For those of us who are migrants, the challenges with our mental health is even greater. The stresses of travel and living in a different culture and society cannot be under estimated. World Health Organisation advocates for good mental well being for migrants and refugees, WHO.

    Walking as a form of exercise is well researched to aid good mental wellness. We have chosen walking as its low impact and we want to incorporate meditation into that walking space. More details on the benefits of walking are here

    We are keen to hear and engage fathers, migrant men on this challenge.How are they coping with stresses of living abroad? Please do invite the male figures in your life. For ideas/ comments/ suggestions do get in touch here

    Campaign Objective:

    To promote mental wellness among migrants through daily walking, peer connection, and storytelling, while raising awareness and reducing stigma around migrant mental health issues.

    Target Audience:

    Migrants and refugees in the UK, African and ethnic minority communities, Mental health allies, professionals, and local councils Employers and community organisations.

    Duration:

    1st – 31st May (Mental Health Awareness Month)

    Core Activities:

    Daily Walking Challenge: Participants aim to walk at least 5,000–10,000 steps a day. You can track and share progress via our Strava community or WhatsApp group using the hashtag #MilesForMinds.

    You can join the walking challenge from anywhere. We encourage you to find times that suit you and share your step count with us for motivation and encouragement on strava . You can also join our Facebook page if you prefer.

    On the last Saturday of the month which is 30th, weather permitting we are meeting in Buckinghamshire to celebrate our wins! More details to be shared on Strava.

    2- Meditation Journal

    Yes we have taken to journaling this month as well as part of mental health first aid. For those who believe in the power of God’s word, this is a resource for you. Click here to download the 31day journal that we will be using throughout this month.

    The journal is there to prompt you to take 5mins and jot down how the day went for you. Please use this as part of self care. It’s key to CREATE that 5mins to write down how your day has been.

    We want to demonstrate to our children how we take care of ourselves and that we take mental wellness seriously. Identifying and naming your feelings and emotions is paramount in taking care of your mental health.

    Affirmations

    Others may prefer affirmations to journaling. Feel free to use those above or find an alternative.

    3- MEET UPS

    We are meeting up on the 24th in Milton keynes for a garden workshop. Registration is mandatory and closes on the 15th of May to help with planning. If interested, do register via link or QR code below.

    4- Group walking

    We are going to be using Strava to encourage each other, have a lead board and share some insight. Can’t wait! Please do sign up here and get acquainted to our Strava group ; Miles for Mind.. 😍

    5- Community

    Intentional Parenting UK is home to BOLD and courageous parents. Our 6am community is a place of growing and drawing strength from the giver of all that is good is perfect. We believe in creating SAFE spaces for parents to flourish and that takes intentionality and a willingness to WORK!

    We welcome parents with a heart of service, open minded and who DARE to live unapologetic in their convictions and beliefs. We are not a platform for people who want to watch/ observe or just sit, be prepared to put in the work and this means engaging with other parents contributing to this growing community.

    Check out the rest of our blog on all thing intentional Parenting.

    📌This year promises to be amazing. Do express interest here and will send you the strava link as well to join the walking community.

    Do follow us on facebook and instagram

    Every blessing

    Fadzi x

  • Praying mothers

    Praying for yourself as a mother can be a profound way to seek God’s guidance, strength, and wisdom. Pray for your friends too that they thrive in their mothering journey. Pray that they will be a source of support, encouragement, companionship and more.

    Here are some specific prayers, each accompanied by relevant Bible verses to inspire and guide you:

    1. For Wisdom and Guidance:
    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom to raise my children according to Your will. Guide my decisions and actions as I nurture and teach them.
    • Verse: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
    • 2-For Patience and Understanding:
    • Prayer: Lord, grant me patience and understanding as I face the challenges of motherhood. Help me to respond with love and kindness in every situation.
    • Verse: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

    3-For Strength and Endurance:

    • Prayer: Father, give me the strength to meet the demands of each day. When I am weary, renew my energy and spirit.
    • Verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

    4-For Peace and Calm:

    • Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with Your peace. Calm my anxieties and worries, and help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my family.
    • Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

    5-For Love and Compassion:

    • Prayer: Jesus, help me to love my children with the unconditional love that You have shown me. Let compassion and empathy guide my interactions with them.
    • Verse: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

    6-For Protection and Safety:

    • Prayer: Lord, I pray for Your protection over my children. Keep them safe from harm and guide them in Your ways.
    • Verse: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8).

    7-For Faith and Spiritual Growth:

    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to grow in my faith and to be a spiritual example for my children. Guide me in teaching them Your truths.
    • Verse: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

    8-For Joy and Gratitude:

    • Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with joy and gratitude for the blessing of motherhood. Help me to cherish each moment with my children.
    • Verse: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).

    By incorporating these prayers and verses into your daily routine, you can seek God’s guidance and strength in your journey as a mother, trusting in His presence and provision for you and your family.

    I hope you find these helpful. Let me know in comments.

    For all things intentiona parenting, check out other blog posts

    Why not join our growing community? Check out our socials for an opportunity to see us in action 😍, click here

    Every blessing.

    Fadzai 🌱

  • Intentional prayers

    The prayer of the righteous avail much so my prayers as a parent establish Gods word in my life and loved ones.

    Thank you Lord for the gifts and talents you have deposited in my children. We Impress these upon their hearts and minds so that they may fulfil them.

    Teach us as parents to be great stewards and custodians of what our children carry.

    • I arise today in my authority as a parent to declare the promises of God concerning my children. You said that the Words that I speak are life, so I open my mouth to speak into my child/ren’s life. I pronounce the blessing of the Lord that makes one rich and add no sorrow. I stand before heaven and earth to declare that Your Word is alive and active in my life and my family. I testify that ALL your promises are yes and amen in You. I paralyse every demonic force that rises to silence me. I denounce every evil word or intent that has been pronounced concerning me and my family. I sever every generational curse, confusion, and misalignment.
    • I declare that I am a generational blesser. I am called for such a time as this. I arise in the anointing and gifting of Esther that changes situations and circumstance. I declare that my children will recognise my voice as a voice of CLARITY, COUNSEL, LOVE & Authority. I am attentive to the workings and dealings of the spirit as I have the anointing of the Holy One, to know all things {1John 2:20} I operate under the mantle of Deborah for leadership. I am a mother in Zion. My heart and mind is ignited with greater passion to effect the next generation.
    • Thank you that in calling upon Your name, you are revealing mysteries and deeper things that I do not know {Jeremiah 33:3}. Thank you that I am a witness for Christ. Thank you for equipping me for this great purpose in Christ Jesus.
    • Thank you Lord for the community of praying parents. You said where two or three are gathered in Your name, You are in the midst of them. I declare that You hear and answer prayer. Thank you for destiny helpers. As we join our faith, Lord establish Your purpose in us. Remember our children and our households.
    • Amen

  • Hello August

    August represents the peak of summer, warmth, fun and long summer days.

    Here in the UK it’s right at the peak of school summer break. A time to make memories, rest and bond with children. It can also be a very stressful time to sort childcare. I pray that you have an awesome summer.

    Let us pray:

    Heavenly Father,

    We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of this summer season. As we enter the month of August, we ask for Your blessings and guidance in all our activities and endeavors.

    Lord, Your Word says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:24-25). We pray that Your blessing and protection surround our family throughout this month. Keep us safe in our travels, adventures, and daily activities.

    As we enjoy the beauty of summer, we remember Your creation and give thanks. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Help us to appreciate the wonders of nature and spend quality time together, making lasting memories.

    Lord, we seek Your wisdom in our decisions and plans. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Grant us discernment to make choices that honor You and bring joy to our family.

    May our home be filled with love, peace, and harmony. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Help us to support and encourage one another, growing closer as a family.

    We pray for opportunities to rest and rejuvenate. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Let this summer be a time of refreshment for our bodies, minds, and spirits.

    Father, we also ask for Your provision and care. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Meet our needs and bless us with Your abundance, so we may share with others and be a light in our community.

    Thank You, Lord, for Your unending love and faithfulness. We place this month of August into Your hands, trusting in Your perfect plan for our family.

    As we spend together as families, grant us the grace to make memories that last a lifetime.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray,

    Amen.

    Remain blessed

    Yours,

    Fadzai

  • Dear son/ daughter in law

    I am praying for you. Yes I know it will be a while before we meet you. However I am excited and expectant at the prospect of you joining our family. I also want you to know that I am doing the ground work in your future spouse. I am praying and having lots of introspective conversations.

    It is my prayer that you both thrive in this. Below is my prayer for you. I will be praying this over you now and always.

    Lord I thank you for my future son/ daughter in law.

    I come before You today with a heart full of hope and trust in Your perfect plans. I lift up in prayer the future spouse of my child. I ask for Your guidance and blessing upon their life even now, as they journey towards the time when they will meet and join our family.

    Lord, I pray for their character:

    “Create in them a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within them” (Psalm 51:10). May they grow in integrity, kindness, and love, reflecting Your nature in all they do.

    Guide their steps, Lord

    “I ask that they trust in You with all your heart and lean not on their own understanding; in all thier ways submit to You, and You will make their paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Direct their choices and lead them on a path of righteousness.

    Bless their relationships:

    “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Surround them with friendships that encourage and uplift, and help them to grow in love and understanding.

    Strengthen their faith:

    “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Draw them close to You, that their faith may be firm and their trust in You unshakeable.

    Prepare their hearts for marriage:

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Teach them the true meaning of love and equip them with the qualities that will make them a wonderful spouse.

    Grant them wisdom and discernment:

    “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Help them to make wise decisions that honor You and bless their future marriage.

    Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. I trust in Your timing and Your plans, and I look forward to the day when we will welcome this special person into our family.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    If you have prayed or are praying, do share in comment section below. I want to join my faith with your regarding the future of our children.

    God bless you.

  • Parental contribution

    Men often face various barriers to opening up about their struggles, influenced by cultural, psychological, and social factors.

    What tips can we do as parents to support our sons and all the men in our lives to enjoy positive mental wellbeing?

    1. Cultural and Social Norms:
      Men are often socialized to conform to traditional masculine norms, which emphasize strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. Research indicates that these norms discourage emotional expression and vulnerability. For example, Mahalik et al. (2003) found that men who strongly adhere to traditional masculine norms are less likely to seek help and express emotions, as doing so is seen as a sign of weakness . Practical TIP- In our homes we can encourage fathers to role model seeking help and support from family members. We can learn more about mental health presentations and other things that we do not know. -As parents we need to stay current and updated.
    2. Fear of Stigmatization:
      There is a significant stigma attached to mental health issues and emotional vulnerability among men. Vogel et al. (2011) demonstrated that men fear being judged or labeled as weak if they disclose their struggles. This fear of stigmatization leads to a reluctance to discuss their problems or seek professional help. Practical Tip- from a young age, normalise boys struggling with their emotions or being frustrated. For example when they have a melt down, try and refrain from ‘mukomana haadaro’ translated ‘boys don’t do that’
    3. Perceived Inadequacy of Emotional Expression:
      Many men believe they lack the skills to effectively communicate their emotions. Research by Levant et al. (2009) shows that men often feel inadequate in expressing their feelings, partly due to limited emotional vocabulary and the societal expectation to suppress emotions. Practical Tip.. teach all your children on the importance and place of emotion. generally in many African Christian homes, emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety are not clearly defined but shrouded in religious terms yet we see David in the book of psalms battling these emotions time and time again. Next time you feel anxious about something.. a new job, friendship, interview etc.. vocalise that and demonstrate practical strategies that you are applying to overcome the anxiety eg breathing exercise.. going for a walk, praying, meditation etc.
    4. Concerns About Burdening Others:
      Men often worry about burdening others with their problems, fearing that opening up might negatively impact their relationships or be seen as a drain on others’ emotional resources. Research by Addis and Mahalik (2003) found that men are less likely to discuss personal issues because they do not want to be perceived as a burden to their friends or family.
    5. Lack of Supportive Environments:
      Many men do not have access to supportive environments where they feel safe to express their struggles. A study by Courtenay (2000) highlights that men are less likely to find supportive spaces that encourage open emotional expression, as many social settings for men emphasize competition and emotional restraint over mutual support. Practical Tip- Normalise your children see you BUILDING life giving relationships. Talk about nurturing relationships, identify them together and discuss what makes them special. Who are the two people that you count on in our own life?

    These factors collectively contribute to why men might struggle to open up about their problems, impacting their mental health and well-being. We can change that narrative and it begins in our homes.

    What else can you add?

    Found this useful? Let me know in comment section below. If you need to discuss some of this in depth, do get in touch via this link .